Vermont has long been a do-it-yourself kind of state. It is no wonder, then, that the long tradition of crafting is alive and well here. Artisans across the state have opened a diverse array of incredible craft stores. From painting supplies to sculpting tools, here are the 8 best in Vermont.
Opened in 1983 and now featuring over 300 local artists, you will find art, jewelry, gifts, and furnishings, with a rotating inventory that is refreshed every week. Get earrings, pottery, sculpture, utensils, wall-clocks, vases, LED designs, furniture lighting and more. Materials consist of wood, stone, metal, and fabric, and the 1,800-square-foot showroom houses many treasures. All items are for sale, and artists are on hand multiple times per week for haggling prices and to field questions.
Manchester Woodcrafts prides itself on original-made furniture, utensils, cutting board, picture frames, and other wooden crafts. Opened in the 1950s many of the original jigs are still used today. Find old-fashioned wooden toys, candle holders, wine racks, and more. Plus, get over 50 gifts for under $25. Many items are made of reclaimed wood, and you can check out their catalog online.
Opened in 1982 by Anne Ashworth, Green Mountain Hooked Rugs supplies rug hookers with everything from wool to hooks to patterns. Get tools, kits, books, backing, gifts, dyes, stools, cutters, rug repair services, and even Christmas stockings. Plus, if all of that isn’t enough to make you rug crazy, you can sign up for the Green Mountain Rug School for a brush-up on your rug-making skills.
Founded in 1991 by Sue Alenick, Mary Jane Healy, and Ethel Schuele Island Craft Shop is a member-owned and operated business. Featuring crafts from twenty-one members, you will find pottery, stained-glass art, jewelry, woodcrafts, watercolor and acrylic paintings, candles, garden (outside) ornaments, and many other Vermont-made items.
This rustic sign shop began almost a decade ago and features hand-carved signs and other Vermont-made gifts that are perfect for birthdays, as Christmas gifts, and for businesses. Each display is carved solid cedar and stands up the most rugged New England weather conditions. Most signs range in size from 18 to 24 inches-wide, but craftsmen, Chip and Anharad Edson, can work with you to design almost anything.
Old Red Mill and Craft Shop is owned by the Jericho Historical Society and officially opened in 1971. It is run by volunteers of the community and makes it home in an 1800s historic mill. The shop features handmade Vermont crafts and all proceeds go toward restoration of the "Old Red Mill." You will find birdhouses, handmade teddy bears, quilts, wooden bowls and cutting boards, ornaments and jewelry and more.
Opened in 1978, the Artisans Hand has been exhibiting contemporary Vermont crafts for almost 35 years. In Vermont’s Capital City, Artisans Hand features work from local artists that include works of jewelry, fiber arts, wood, metal, stone, clay, glass, photography, prints, painting, and more. With 140 artisans whose quality and diversity of product is unmatched in Vermont’s Upper Valley, this is one craft store that is worth a look.
If you have ever heard the term in Vermont, “you can’t get there from here,” then you can pretty much picture the tiny town of West Danville. But like most things difficult to find, the trip is worth it. Joe's makes it home in a restored historic barn attached to a quintessential old-fashioned Vermont general store and features handcrafts by more than 35 local artisans. Joe’s also boasts an artisan-operated working loom, handmade rugs, quilts, basketry, stained glass, jewelry, pottery, folk art, and more.